Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
-
Support Care Cancer · Jun 2021
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors treated with taxane: a prospective longitudinal study.
This study aimed to prospectively explore severity and prevalence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and examine the correlation between clinician-assessed (objective) and patient-reported (subjective) CIPN in breast cancer survivors receiving taxane. ⋯ The change of CIPN prevalence and severity were significant over time in survivors newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Specifically, the severest and highest CIPN was detected at chemotherapy completion. Survivors remained suffering from CIPN 3 months after chemotherapy completion. Besides, mild to moderate correlations between clinician-assessed and patient-reported CIPN were identified.
-
Support Care Cancer · Jun 2021
Physical exercise during adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer-a non-randomized feasibility study.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and a large proportion of the patients receive adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Most of these experience chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), affecting quality of life. Evidence to advise exercise to reduce CIPN is limited. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an exercise intervention and data collection among CRC patients during adjuvant chemotherapy. ⋯ Nineteen (63%) of 30 invited patients consented. A major barrier to recruit or consent to participation was long travel distance to the hospital. The completion rate of questionnaires and physical tests were near 100%. Seven participants dropped out, five before the intervention started. Median attendance to supervised exercise was 85%. There were no serious adverse events related to the intervention. Except for a planned higher intensity of endurance exercise, we found the intervention feasible and safe. Based on experiences in this study, some adjustments have been made for an upcoming randomized trial, including the supervised exercise taking place close to participants' homes.
-
Support Care Cancer · Jun 2021
ReviewSystematic rapid living review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer survivors: update to August 27, 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in drastic changes in the global healthcare delivery landscape and has had practical repercussions for cancer survivors. This systematic rapid living review has been undertaken to synthesise the available knowledge regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in a timely manner. This initial rapid review will present the findings of literature published up to August 27, 2020. ⋯ Limited definitive evidence exists regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer survivors. Currently available literature provides preliminary indications of wide-ranging impacts of the pandemic on cancer survivors with respect to the requirement to adapt to new means of healthcare delivery as well as their physical, psychosocial and economic wellbeing. The pandemic has left survivors dealing with the consequences of rigorous cancer treatment in the context of new challenges related to social isolation, financial hardship and uncertainty with respect to their ongoing care. Additional rigorously designed research initiatives are required to elucidate the impact of the pandemic on cancer survivors.
-
Support Care Cancer · Jun 2021
The role of the gut microbiome in cancer-related fatigue: pilot study on epigenetic mechanisms.
Recent evidence supports a key role of gut microbiome in brain health. We conducted a pilot study to assess associations of gut microbiome with cancer-related fatigue and explore the associations with DNA methylation changes. ⋯ Our results suggest different patterns of the gut microbiota in cancer patients with high vs. low fatigue. Results from functional pathways and DNA methylation analyses indicate that inflammation is likely to be the major driver in the gut-brain axis for cancer-related fatigue.